Lameness of the Horse eBook

Symptomatology.—­Lameness, mixed or swinging-leg,
signalizes the presence of acute lymphangitis.
There is always more or less swelling present and
manipulation of the affected parts gives pain to the
subject. Depending upon the character of the infection
and its extent, there is presented a varying degree
of constitutional disturbance. There may be a
rise in temperature of from two to five degrees, and
in such instances there is an accelerated pulse.
Where much intoxication is present, anorexia and dipsosis
are to be noticed.

Swelling may increase gradually and in time discharge
of pus may take place spontaneously without drainage
being provided for, if the character of the infection
does not cause early death. In these cases lameness
is pronounced and the cause of the disturbance is to
be sought, particularly if the condition be due to
a nail puncture.

[Illustration: Fig. 62—­Elephantiasis.]

Treatment.—­Location of the site of injury
is advisable in all cases and in some instances provision
for drainage, as in puncture wounds, is helpful.
Locally, curettage and the application of suitable
antiseptics are indicated. Hot fomentations are
beneficial and should be continued for several days
if necessary, to stimulate resolution. A brisk
purge should be admintered at the onset and strychnin,
because of its indirect stimulative effect upon the
circulation together with its tonic effect upon the
musculature, is beneficial.

In all such cases rational treatment, good hygiene
and careful nursing are the principal factors which
stimulate recovery. Individual resistance or
lowered vitality has a marked influence on the course
of this affection.

NON-INFECTIOUS LYMPHANGITIS.

This type of lymphangitis is associated with, or the
result of, a derangement of digestion. It affects
heavy draft horses, rarely other types of animals,
and involves one or both hind legs.

Occurrence.—­In healthy and well nourished
horses irregularly used, this affection may suddenly
manifest itself. It occurs in singular instances
in mares that are in advanced pregnancy even when such
animals are at pasture. Usually, however, this
malady is found in heavy draft horses that have been
kept stabled from one to three days.

Symptomatology.—­At the outset in severe
cases, there is elevation of temperature, labored
breathing, accelerated pulse, anorexia and more or
less swelling of the affected members. Swelling
is very painful and when the affected legs are palpated,
pain is manifested by flinching. The inguinal
lymph glands are often swollen but in some cases they
are not affected in any perceptible degree. In
the average case suppuration does not occur and when
conditions are favorable, resolution is complete within
ten days. The extent of the involvement and the
intensity of the affection vary materially in different
cases and a chronic lymphangitis may succeed the acute
attacks and finally in some instances, elephantiasis
results.